Ruthless Saints

Christ.

I turn my attention back to the men. “Get back in the car and lock the doors. Now!”

They’re too close for me to check if Hailey’s listening, and not wasting another second, I dart forward. The bigger guy takes a swing at me, and grabbing hold of his arm, I shove him at the smaller one. When they crash into each other, I make a run for the SUV.

Rounding the corner, I see Hailey standing by the passenger's side. “Get in!”

Thankfully she listens this time, and I hurry to climb in behind the steering wheel. Pressing the button, I start the engine and then pull away as fast as the SUV will go.

“Seatbelt,” I snap at her.

Fuck.

I should’ve canceled the contract.

“Blyad'!” I slam my palm against the steering wheel as I take the quickest route out of the city. I shoot a glare at Hailey. “Why didn’t you leave?”

She shakes her head, her eyes wide on me. “What happened?” Then she spots the blood on my right hand. “Oh, God. Did you get hurt?”

“I’m fine.” My mind races for a lie she would believe. “A fight broke out at the club.”

I keep checking the rearview mirror, making sure we’re not being followed before I steer us in the direction of Saint Luc.

“But you’re okay?” Hailey asks again.

I take a deep breath. “I’m fine.”

I’m far from fine.

This should not have happened.

It’s wrong.

I need to distance myself from Hailey, or I’ll end up getting her killed.

HAILEY

“That’s why I don’t go to clubs. People drink too much, and then fights break out,” I mutter as I relax against the seat.

Wondering who’s blood it is, I ask, “Did you hit someone?”

Carson nods, reverting back to silence.

“In self-defense?”

He nods again.

“I wasn’t going to leave you stranded in Zürich.”

“You should’ve,” he mutters. “Next time, listen to me.”

Next time?

There will be a next time?

The thought makes happiness bubble in my chest, but it quickly fades from the dark expression tightening his features.

“Sorry I didn’t listen,” I murmur, wanting to ease the tension in the car.

The silence falling between us is different than before, and it has everything to do with the dark look that makes Carson seem more like a threat than a friend.

I almost ask him if he’s okay again but bite the words back.

This is definitely not how I hoped the night would play out. I was thinking more along the lines of us getting to know each other. Maybe sharing a kiss. Maybe more.

Not this… coldness.

It only reminds me I hardly know Carson.

Maybe we’re too different?

I steal a glance at him and seeing he looks even grimmer than when he got into the car, I let out a sigh.

I don’t feel like I did anything wrong, so I cross my arms over my chest and revert to staring out the window.

Instead of enjoying the drive with Carson, the road feels endlessly long. By the time he stops in front of my house, I’m so over this night.

“Thanks for the ride,” I mutter as I push the door open.

He just glances at me.

“Bye, Carson.” I shut the door, and it takes a lot of willpower to not glance back as I hear the SUV pull away.

“Well, that sucked,” I mumble under my breath as I unlock the front door.

Walking into the house, I go place my bag on my bed. Even though it’s almost four in the morning, I’m not tired.

I go stand by the window and glance up the road.

It’s for the best if I don’t date anyone while I’m traveling.

Is it?

Really?

That’s what you want?

“No,” I sigh.

Carson is… different. Yes, he ticks all the boxes for hot and attractive, but it’s that something else that’s making me fall for him.

I’m falling for Carson Koslov. The quiet recluse.

That’s why tonight is so upsetting. It feels like I’ve lost all the ground I’ve managed to cover with him.

And I was really hoping for more.

Just more of him.

Turning away from the window, I grab a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from my closet and walk to the bathroom. I take a quick shower, and once I’m dressed, I brush my teeth and tie my hair back in a ponytail.

Hopefully, things aren’t ruined between Carson and me. At the very least, I’d like to remain friends with him.

A weight settles on my heart because, deep down, it feels as if I’ve lost the chance of getting to know Carson better.

Chapter 6

CARSON

I’ve barely left my office the past two days, spending every minute to erase any sign of Hailey being seen with me.

It’s a fucking shit storm.

There’s no chatter about Rudaj’s death, but the payment came through.

Picking up my phone, I dial Madame Keller’s number.

“Mr. Koslov. What can I do for you?”

“I want to place a deposit.”

“For?”

“Safety when needed.”

“For yourself?”

“No.” I take a deep breath. “Hailey Welsh.”

There’s a moment’s silence. “For how long do you need the safety guaranteed?”